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James Bailey
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This Is Who We Are Now Kindle Edition

by James Bailey (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
See all formats and editions

"[A] fresh take on adult existential struggles and extended family drama." — Independent Book Review

On the brink of a milestone birthday he'd rather not celebrate, Henry Bradfield returns to his childhood home to find his old belongings are the hottest items at his parents' garage sale. When Henry learns that his comic collection was sold to the son of his high school sweetheart, Erin Chadwick, suddenly vintage collectibles aren't the only things making him feel nostalgic.

Tensions in the house rise as a long-simmering rivalry with his younger brother heats up, all while Henry's own teenage sons are butting heads. His wife, Denise, becomes increasingly distant toward him and his parents, who she feels have never truly embraced her. Amidst the chaos, another chance encounter with Erin leads Henry to ponder what might have been. His only confidant is his alcoholic sister, Margo, who is wrestling with her own relationship issues.

When Denise disappears without saying good-bye, Henry must decide whether the thrill of rekindling an old flame is worth risking his stable, if all too routine, marriage.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    253 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    October 23, 2023
  5. File size
    1729 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This delightful novel presents steady action balanced with vivid setting descriptions and snappy, engaging dialogue. The end result is a fresh take on adult existential struggles and extended family drama. A thoroughly enjoyable read, this fictional drama proves that a family reunion with a group of highly flawed people can still deliver happiness, love, redemption, and hope." — Independent Book Review

"Revisiting the past can be an emotional rollercoaster full of the unexpected. In his new novel, James Bailey invites readers to contemplate their own life choices as they navigate the twists, turns, ups, and downs of Henry Bradfield's return to his childhood home. This Is Who We Are Now takes us on a humorous ride through the realms of family, lost love, and the road not taken." — Matthew Hanover, author of Not Famous

"James Bailey has perfectly captured the humor and awkwardness that happens when your past and present collide, especially when the present isn't on solid ground. This Is Who We Are Now is a master class on nostalgia and growth as he shows the paradox of "you can never go home again," being absolutely true and absolutely false simultaneously. Bailey's writing is Tropper-esque, and his voice is unique and true. This Is Who We Are Now is a true joy going from page to page." — Ian Shane, author of In Ten Years

"The cast of characters is well crafted ... [t]he conversations are realistic and humorous even when the tone becomes somber. I especially like how Bailey captures the Bradfield family members' complex dynamics." — Readers' Favorite

"With the help of his struggling sister, Margo, Henry must weigh the risks of rekindling an old flame against his stable but unfulfilling marriage. Embark on this heartwarming journey of rediscovery and second chances." — Midwest Book Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJX4B3H9
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 23, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1729 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 253 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

About the author

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James Bailey

James Bailey

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James Bailey is the author of six novels, including The Greatest Show on Dirt (2012), Sorry I Wasn't What You Needed (2015), and This Is Who We Are Now (2023), as well as a nonfiction book about baseball, Major League Debuts: 2023 Edition.

Born in Ohio, he grew up in Seattle worshipping Ruppert Jones, Jim Zorn, and Jack Sikma. After spending most of the 1990s in North Carolina, he eventually settled in Upstate New York. He lives in Rochester with his wife, son, and fierce but lovable mini dachshund. Visit his website at loosevowelmovements.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
10 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Star
4.0 out of 5 stars Relatable
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
Henry is turning 50 and goes back to his childhood home. His marriage is a mess, his children are driving him nuts and his siblings have their own issues. On top of that, his high school sweetheart reappears, just as his wife disappears.
The characters are all very relatable and will remind you of your own crazy family.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars If you’d like a family getaway for a weekend~
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
Going back to your hometown for a long weekend— we, like Doug— get to travel along to the Bradfield’s family home in anywhere-ville USA. I enjoyed the time there. Relatable in a wholesome yet realistic tone. Thanks for the local escape, James Bailey.
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Steve
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging read
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
Very relatable story on marriage and family. An enjoyable read.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A hilarious, charming, altogether great book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
This Is Who We Are Now offers a fresh take on the tale of returning home and tackling the past. Bailey's knack for sincere, witty storytelling shines in middle-aged Henry, whose chance encounter with his high school sweetheart kicks off a series of misfortunes and tensions that challenge him as a father, a son, a husband, a brother—everything. There's an everyday charm to Henry, though, and maybe even a universality in his doubt and desires that makes you root for him.

Simply put, This Is Who We Are Now is a story that reminds you of the beauty and messiness of being human. I loved it from start to finish.
One person found this helpful
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Susanna L Jacobson
5.0 out of 5 stars A slice of real life - a modern take on a mid-life crisis
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2023
Most everyone can relate to the nagging questions about what might have been. I enjoyed this relatable story that includes incredibly realistic sibling banter. James Bailey crafts some sentences that are on the surface funny, but also clever and enlightening on a deeper level.
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